Young Saint Paddy McCartin inks contract extension

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ST KILDA forward Paddy McCartin has agreed to a new two-year deal with the Saints as the club continues to shore up its future.

The Saints are understood to be set to announce the contract extension imminently for the No.1 pick at the 2014 NAB AFL Draft, which would tie him to the club until the end of 2018.

The powerful forward showed some promising signs in his debut season at AFL level, being blooded early in the year before going back to the VFL to pick up more experience.

McCartin's second run of games in the Saints' senior team saw him make more of an impact, with the 19-year-old enjoying a strong game against Melbourne in round 17.

He had 14 disposals, kicked a goal and took nine marks in the Saints' win, which was the first of McCartin's short career.

McCartin, who finished the year with six games to his name, told AFL.com.au in August he had enjoyed his first year at the Saints, so much so he could see himself remaining in the black, red and white for his career.

"It'd be fantastic to be a one-club player. That'd be awesome, but I'm just a small part of it. I'm on the journey. I'll be around as long as the Saints need me," he said.

"It's a place I've absolutely loved so far. It's been unreal."

McCartin's impending commitment beyond 2016 – when his initial two-year contract expires – adds to the list of young St Kilda players to have signed on for the future.

Jack Billings, Jack Newnes and Luke Dunstan have signed on until the end of 2017 and Blake Acres is committed through to the end of 2018.

The three other Saints drafted alongside McCartin in 2014 – Jack Lonie, Daniel McKenzie and Hugh Goddard – have all already extended their contracts with the Saints.

Lonie and McKenzie added an extra year to their deals to tie them to the Saints until the end of 2017, while Goddard will be a Saint until at least the end of 2018.

The Saints last month announced midfielder Shane Savage had signed a new deal through to the end of 2017, with contract extensions also coming recently for Jarryn Geary and Maverick Weller.